It's no secret that Northwest Portland has a unique charm and allure, drawing many creatives and visionaries to its streets. Now, this vibrant district is ready to welcome the world to its doorstep through a fresh cinematic lens. On Saturday, July 15, at 2pm, Portland's beloved Cinema 21, located at 616 Northwest 21st Avenue, will premiere the much-anticipated independent feature film "Punched After The Fact."
Written and directed by the dynamic duo of Ian Fowler and Gabriel Isaac Lakey, the film stars a talented ensemble cast including Donny Persons, Nikki Flinn, Eric Martin Reid, Anne Zander, Ahmed Toney, Jonathan Daniel Miles, Brain Adrian Koch, and Michelle Mathews. The production resonates with an undeniable local flavor, as many scenes were filmed right here in Northwest Portland, and several of the cast members reside in the district.
"Punched After The Fact" follows the unconventional story of a janitor, held at gunpoint, who falls in love with his philosophical assailant, only to discover she has a stalker - a mild-mannered writing hopeful aiming to use her to sell his script. With its quirky and unique narrative, the film is expected to draw a diverse crowd of cinema-goers.
Local hotspots Carina Lounge, M Bar, and Triple Lindy serve as both filming locations and rich contextual backdrops for the movie, injecting an authentic taste of Northwest Portland's culture into the storyline. This immersive experience seamlessly blends the familiar contours of our cityscape with the narrative world of the film, creating a unique synergy between the tale and its setting.
The film's premiere serves as a testament to the power of community. Funded through a successful Seed&Spark campaign that raised $10,425 for production, the film is a true product of local support and enthusiasm.
Following the premiere, guests can extend their experience by partaking in a multi-location after-party hosted by local establishments, including Round Here, Triple Lindy, The Pharmacy, Kells Brewpub, and Bar Diane. These venues, coined as the official "After Party Punch Locations," will offer a special $5 boozy punch to premiere guests as part of the celebration.
Lead actor Donny Persons, who plays Davie in the film, recently spoke to Northwest Portland News about the project, emphasizing the gratifying experience of filming in a district he now calls home. A local resident, he expressed excitement about using familiar locations in the film, stating, "Shooting the movie in NW restaurants and bars let us turn places that we know personally so well into the land of make believe."
Michelle Mathews, the film's producer and a NW Portland local, echoed Persons' sentiments, emphasizing the community's involvement in bringing the film to life. "We couldn't have made the movie without the charity of the people in the audience. We couldn't have made the movie without our investors—the Seed and Spark donors—a lot of whom are our neighbors," Mathews shared.
"Punched After The Fact" is a love letter to Northwest Portland, an exploration of the district's vibrant character through a dynamic story of romance, thrills, and unexpected turns.
Grab your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/punched-after-the-fact-portland-movie-premiere-tickets-599200032427 and be part of the cinematic celebration that proves just how punchy Portland can be!
With its offbeat storyline, fascinating characters, and undeniable local charm, "Punched After The Fact" promises an unforgettable journey that not only entertains, but also pays homage to the places and people that make Northwest Portland what it is.
And remember, this isn't just a movie premiere - it's an invitation to experience, appreciate, and celebrate the vibrancy of our local community. As Michelle Mathews put it, it's about "bringing people together to enjoy each other while sharing film, music, performances, art, food & beverages!" After all, isn't that what Northwest Portland is all about? “Joie de vivre!”
With the premiere of "Punched After The Fact," we're not just watching a film - we're celebrating the spirit of our Northwest Portland community. See you there!
MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.cinema21.com/movie/punched-after-the-fact
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/punched-after-the-fact-portland-movie-premiere-tickets-599200032427